Natural Gas vs. Diesel Generators: Key Differences, Pros, and Cons
by zq J on Mar 11, 2025
In making a decision about the use of a generator, as a back-up or as your only source of power, it would be a good idea to work through the advantages and disadvantages of both sources of power in deciding whether it will be the best suited for your particular use.
What is a Natural Gas Generator?
A natural gas generator uses natural gas, methane or propane to generate electricity. Natural gas generators are mounted on a pipe carrying gas, with air and gas drawn into a carburetor.
They get compressed, stimulating ignition, therefore powering the rotor, thereby producing an electric current.
What Are the Advantages of Natural Gas Generators?
1. Are Natural Gas Generators Environment Friendly
Natural gas is emission-pollutant and low-carbon fuel and hence environmentally friendly.
2. Are Natural Gas Generators Economical?
Natural gas is less expensive compared to diesel and thus fuel prices in the long term are guaranteed.
3. How Reliable are Natural Gas Generators?
Natural gas generators are desirable with the added advantage of having the fuel readily available in the form of access to already established power grids with unlimited and never-ending supply of fuel.
4. Do Natural Gas Generators Store Fuel On-Site?
Natural gas generators do not require fuel to be stored on site and thus the site is compact and less fuel is wasted.
5. Are Natural Gas Generators Odorless?
Natural gas is flared with minimal or no odor, similar to diesel, and thus natural gas is a great option for commercial or residential site.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Gas Generators?
1. Are Natural Gas Generators Safe?
Natural gas is that which is flammable and leakage is dangerous since it would burn or explode when not directed.
2. Can Natural Gas Generators Work if Supplies are Disrupted?
Because they're constantly drawing fuel off lines, they'll be more likely to be removed from service by mechanical failure or the vagaries of nature.
3. Is Natural Gas an Effective Energy in Relation to Its Consumption?
Natural gas engines are less power-dense than diesel and would thus be bigger in size to generate the same energy.
4. Is Natural Gas a Renewable Resource?
Natural gas is not renewable energy and is an issue of long-term sustainability.
What Is a Diesel Generator?
A diesel generator is a diesel alternator and engine that provides power. Diesel fuel is injected and air is compressed, thus creating power and ignition.
What Are the Benefits of Diesel Generators?
1. Can Diesel Generators Be Installed Anywhere?
The diesel generators will be installed in an inaccessible location and hence the location with no supply of natural gas pipeline is ideal for it.
2. Is Diesel Generator Suitable?
The diesel generator is highly convenient for the uses and thus best suited for standby and extended power use.
3. Does a Diesel Generator Draw From Power Grid?
A diesel generator does not need the power grid as exclusive mode and natural gas generator equal.
4. Is Diesel Generator More Powerful?
A diesel generator is more powerful and less strenuous than a natural gas generator.
5. Is Diesel Fuel Safer than Natural Gas?
Diesel fuel is more difficult to ignite and thus less prone to create startup fire hazards.
6. Are Diesel Generators More Efficient?
Diesel contains more energy per unit of volume of fuel and hence is denser in terms of energy and thus more efficient.
Benefits of Diesel Generators
1. Are Diesel Generators Costly?
Diesel generators are costly to purchase but very cost-saving in the long term.
2. Are Diesel Generators Noisy?
Diesel generators are noisier than natural gas generators and a nuisance for noise-constrained residential or applications.
3. Are Diesel Generators Clean Air Equipment?
Even more of the same pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulates exit the diesel combustion, which together form smog-like dirty air.
4. Is a Diesel Generator Portable?
A diesel generator is less portable and heavier.
How Do You Choose an Option Between a Diesel and Natural Gas Generator?
While choosing, consider the following:
1. Where will the Generator be Placed?
Off-site locations: Diesel generator will be sufficient in situations where pipeline gas is not easily found.
City office buildings: Natural gas generators will be sufficient where pipeline is conveniently available.
2. Will the Generator be used mainly stationary?
Stationary application: Diesel and natural gas generators will work equally well.
Mobile application: Diesel generators are too heavy to operate repeatedly back and forth.
3. What Are the Cost Factors?
Lower initial cost: Natural gas generators cost less to buy.
Lower fuel expense: Natural gas is cheaper.
4. What Are the Environmental Concerns?
Lower emissions: Natural gas burns cleaner.
Less energy efficient: Diesel is less clean and more energy dense.
5. What are the Safety Requirements?
Fire hazard: Leaks of natural gas are more dangerous.
Fuel storage: Diesel fuels stored on premises, not natural gas.
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Conclusion
Both natural gas generators and diesel generators are experiencing some pros and cons. Natural gas generators are affordable, environmentally friendly, and convenient to use, while diesel generators are powerful, efficient, and independent. If you are pretty confident about your power requirement, cost, and surroundings, then you can choose the best from them for you.
